Together, we’ve got this.
We understand that there is a lot of uncertainty around the evolving COVID-19 situation. In an effort to keep our WIC families healthy at this time, we ask that if you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, to please call your local WIC clinic instead of coming in.
We want you to know that WIC families are our top priority. Above all, we want you to stay healthy and safe.
COVID-19 Myths Vs. Facts
Myth: If my grocery store runs out of formula, I can make my own at home.
Fact: Homemade formula is not safe for your baby. Warehouses are fully stocked with formula and grocery stores are just waiting for their normal shipments to come in. Getting to the store early in the morning when shipments arrive may increase the likelihood that formula will be on the shelves. If you’re unable to find formula, please contact your local WIC clinic for assistance.
Myth: Current WIC benefits will end or my e-WIC card will be locked at the end of the month.
Fact: Your WIC benefits are valid, and your e-WIC card will not be locked. We are not planning any changes to the way your benefits are distributed. If you have questions about your individual benefits, please contact your local WIC clinic.
Myth: Non-WIC participants are not allowed to purchase WIC-approved brands.
Fact: Lately, we’ve seen messages on social media encouraging people who are not WIC participants to avoid purchasing WIC-approved foods if possible. This ensures WIC participants have access to the brands they need. While we appreciate the sentiment behind this message, we want to clarify that this does NOT mean WIC-approved brands are off limits to anyone.
Myth: If I test positive for COVID-19, I should stop breastfeeding to avoid passing it on to my baby.
Fact: Breastfeeding with COVID-19 is safe. In fact, if you’re breastfeeding and you become ill, it’s important not to interrupt nursing. The baby has already been exposed to the virus and will benefit most from continued breastfeeding. Following good hygiene practices will also help reduce transfer of the virus.
Myth: Kids can’t get COVID-19, so playdates with friends are a good way to keep them busy.
Fact: While adults make up most of the known cases of COVID-19 to date, some children and infants have tested positive for the disease. Kids could also spread the virus without showing symptoms, so it’s important to keep them home as much as possible, avoid playdates for now, and encourage them to wash their hands often.
Myth: Non-WIC participants should avoid shopping at the beginning of the month because that’s when WIC benefits are renewed.
Fact: WIC participants’ first day to use their benefits varies depending on which local agency they’re a part of. We do appreciate those who are thinking of our WIC families, but there’s no need to avoid shopping at the beginning of the month.
You Work Hard. We Got You.
WIC provides the tools, knowledge, and resources you need to stay on your game.
Healthy
Food
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Milk, cheese & more
- Cereal and other grains
- Peanut butter, beans & more
Nutrition
Education
- Shopping guidance
- Prenatal nutrition tips
- Kid-friendly recipes
- Personalized nutrition counseling
Breastfeeding
Support
- Support and education
- Peer counseling
- Lactation support
- Classes and information
Care Beyond
WIC
- Immunization services
- Substance abuse counseling
- Domestic abuse counseling
- Social services
Wisconsin WIC helps you buy the foods you and your children need to stay healthy. The WIC foods in your monthly food package are specifically chosen to promote good health, growth, and development. With your eWIC card, you can only buy foods that are approved by WIC and in your current benefits. The authorized foods are described in the WIC Shopping Guide and the following videos.
New WIC Wisconsin Cookbook!
Introducing our brand new WIC Wisconsin cookbook which includes delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner that the whole family will love. Recipes use mostly WIC-approved ingredients that you can buy using your eWIC card, plus the cookbook features a celebrity WIC mom chef! Click to view, download and print.
We've Upped Our Game.
MOBILE APP
Use your mobile device to scan WIC-approved foods and much more. Available on both Android and iOS.
eWIC
Your eWIC card issued by the Wisconsin WIC program is your main tool to access a wide range of benefits and check balances.
TEXT & EMAIL
Sign up to receive text or email notifications for updates on services and news related to the Wisconsin WIC program.
Sign Up Now
Who is Eligible?
WIC serves lower-income pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding women, infants, and children under age 5 who have health or nutrition risks. Many working families are part of WIC.
You must meet four criteria to be eligible for WIC:
- Live in Wisconsin.
- Be a pregnant, breastfeeding or new mother, be an infant up to age one, or be a child up to age 5.
- Have a health or nutrition need.
- Be income eligible.
Not sure if you qualify? You may qualify if anyone in your family is receiving FoodShare, Medicaid, BadgerCare Plus, Wisconsin Works Program (W2), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
Dads, grandparents, and other caregivers of children under the age of 5 may also sign up kids for WIC.
Foster children and Kinship Care recipients under age 5, and foster teens who are pregnant are eligible for WIC.
WIC Income Guidelines
July 1, 2019–June 30, 2020
WIC income eligibility is based on 185% of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines, which is the same criteria as free and reduced-price school lunch.
For specific income levels by household size, consult the WIC income eligibility table below.
Household:
A person or group of people, related or not, who usually (though not necessarily) live together and whose income and consumption of goods and services are related.
Income:
All sources of gross income, including overtime, in the household before any deductions are made. This also includes, but is not limited to, child support, unemployment, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
Employer Statement Form, F-40076 (Multiple Languages) may be filled out and submitted to WIC as a proof of income for employees who do not receive a paycheck stub.
For more information about income eligibility, contact a local WIC Office.
First Appointment
If you think you qualify for WIC, want more information, or have questions regarding eligibility, contact a local WIC Office.
The information below will help you prepare for your first WIC appointment.
Please bring the following items to your appointment:
- Proof of identity (I.D.) for yourself and each child to be certified, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, military identification, tribal identification card, alien card, passport, hospital identification/confirmation of birth (which may include hospital discharge papers, crib card, or wrist band) or passport. If you cannot bring one of these forms of ID, the clinic can explain other acceptable forms of I.D.
- Proof of address, such as a current utility bill with a street address (no P.O. boxes), rent or mortgage receipt. This is to verify you live in Wisconsin.
- Proof of income, such as a letter showing participation in FoodShare, Wisconsin Works Program (W2), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Kinship Care, or Foster Care. If a family member does not participate in one of these programs, bring proof of all sources of income for the household for the last 30 days, including pay stubs (if you get paid weekly, bring four pay stubs; if you get paid bi-weekly, bring two pay stubs; if you get paid monthly, bring one pay stub). You must also bring proof of income from Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), unemployment compensation, and child support.
- Confirmation of your pregnancy, if you are expecting. This may include a statement from your health care provider or an ultrasound including the applicant’s name and date. Home pregnancy tests are not allowed.
- Don’t forget to bring your children to be certified!
You will be asked to identify your race and ethnicity. This information is for record keeping purposes only and does not affect your eligibility.
WIC will not ask about your immigration status. You do not need to be a legal resident of the United States to participate in WIC and receive food benefits.
Information shared with the WIC clinic staff is kept confidential.
At the clinic trained WIC staff will conduct a health and nutrition screening for all family members applying for WIC. This will include height and weight measurements and may include a finger stick blood test to check the level of iron in your blood. The WIC staff will ask questions and discuss your health and nutrition. At the end of this appointment you will be told if you and your children are eligible for WIC services.
If you are eligible, you will receive an eWIC card to purchase specific healthy foods at the grocery store.
You will continue to have appointments at the WIC clinic about every three months to receive nutrition education, relevant health care referrals, and more food benefits.
Last Revised: September 12, 2018
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.